Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Discovered in Two Minnesota Flocks

(KNSI) — The Minnesota Board of Animal Health confirms H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in two poultry flocks.

A commercial turkey flock in Meeker County reported mortality and signs of depression. A Mower County backyard mixed flock of chickens, ducks and geese reported increased mortality. Samples were collected from both flocks were tested on March 25th at either the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory or the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratories in Ames, Iowa.

A press release from the Board says these are the first cases of HPAI in the state of Minnesota since 2015. The deadly bird flu outbreak in 2015 was first discovered in early March of that year, and by May 30th, more than 43 million birds in 15 states had been destroyed.

Dr. Dale Lauer, Poultry Program Director for the Board, says, “Poultry producers and backyard flock owners need to be on alert and contact their veterinarian immediately if they see any changes in their flocks. Everyone in poultry facilities needs to follow the site’s biosecurity protocols every time to prevent the spread of disease.”

The sites are quarantined, and the depopulation of birds on the premises is already underway. Poultry is depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease; poultry from the infected flock will not enter the food system. The Board adds that poultry is safe to eat. Proper handling and cooking of poultry and eggs to an internal temperature of 165 ˚F are always advised. The Centers for Disease Control also recently announced this strain of avian influenza is a low risk to the public. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been detected in the United States.

“The rapid response and testing surrounding the infected sites is the result of years of preparation with our local, state, federal, and industry partners,” said State Veterinarian Dr. Beth Thompson.

If you have a flock exhibiting any clinical signs of influenza, such as a drop in water consumption or increased mortality, or you believe they might have been exposed to birds with the disease, immediately call your veterinarian. If you are a veterinarian and receive reports of clinical signs of avian influenza, call the Minnesota Poultry Testing Laboratory at 320-231-5170. If it is after hours or on the weekend, call the Minnesota Duty Officer at 1-800-422-0798.